The Finnish market is showing clear signs of recovery, according to many exhibitors at FinnMETKO 2026. At the largest professional trade fair for heavy machinery and equipment this year in the Nordics, business was brisk and industry professionals reconnected on a more international scale than ever before.
Organised by Koneyrittäjät (National Association for Machine Contractors and Employers), the three-day FinnMETKO 2026 exhibition attracted close to 35,000 visitors, up almost 5,000 pax compared to 2024’s 20th anniversary edition in Jämsä.
A total of 385 exhibitors (plus 40 in 2024) presented an impressive range of heavy machinery, equipment, utility vehicles, and the latest cutting-edge technologies for machine contracting industries such as forestry, the latter of which included a new dedicated demonstration trail for mechanised energy wood harvesting in pre-commercial thinnings.
Factory refurbishment an underlying theme
FinnMETKO 2026 brought together all major manufacturers and suppliers of heavy machinery, utility vehicles, equipment, and spare parts, as well as companies operating in the logistics, earthmoving, forestry, and energy sectors.
The trade show served as a venue for several world premieres of new machines and products – including Ponsse’s Buffalo Planter, Logset’s new twin-roller harvester head range with optional multiple-stem processing, and a new energy wood harvesting head from Forefesentia.
Visitors also had access to a wide range of services for machine contracting industries, industry associations, educational institutions, and stakeholder organizations.
Alongside new products, remanufacturing (reman) services were strongly represented throughout the exhibition.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) factory-refurbished engines, equipment, and related services were evident on numerous stands.
Remanufacturing/refurbishment extends the service life of older machinery and equipment with a lower investment than purchasing new units. In addition, recycling and prolonging machine life cycles help conserve natural resources.
Upbeat atmosphere
International guests from more than 30 countries attended the upbeat three-day event to learn about Finnish expertise and markets in machine contracting industries, with international exhibitors and visitor numbers significantly higher than in previous years.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the exhibition. The number of visitors and exhibitors is significant, but even more important is that the event has been useful and successful for all participants. Once again, a great deal of business has been conducted at FinnMETKO, and in an excellent atmosphere, commented Tapio Hirvikoski, Exhibition Director.
Earthmoving Equipment Operator Champions
On the final day of the exhibition, Saturday, FinnMETKO 2026 hosted the Ykköskuski (Top Driver) Competition for earthmoving equipment operators.
Organized by the earthmoving department of Gradia Vocational College, competitors demonstrated their skills and battled for the Finnish Championship using two different machines.
Mikael Järvinen claimed overall victory and the Finnish Ykköskuski Champion title, with 2024 champion Jukka Rautakoski runner-up, and Jouni Mäkelä secured third place.
The next major exhibition for machine contracting industries, FinnMETKO 2028, will be held in Jämsä, August 31 – September 2, 2028.
